Story by Tichaona Kurewa
VICE President Cde Kembo Mohadi has reaffirmed government’s commitment to promoting health and safety at the workplace, saying it is key in the attainment of Vision 2030.
He was speaking at the official opening of the National Social Security Authority (NSSA) Safety and Health at the Workplace Conference in Victoria Falls this Thursday.
The government pledge comes at a time when statistics from NSSA indicate that 70 deaths and over 49,000 injuries at the workplace were recorded in 2024.
Government is not folding its hands but pushing for the reduction of work-related accidents and deaths.
“I want to reaffirm my government’s unwavering commitment to achieving Vision 2030 through safe, decent, and productive work environments. Our journey toward becoming an upper-middle income economy will only be realised if we prioritise the health, safety, and well-being of workers,” he said.
Technology has been identified as key in preventing and detecting work-related accidents.
“Emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence (Al) machine learning, and automation, can help identify hazards, predict accidents, and mitigate risks before they occur. I encourage industries across Zimbabwe to invest in these innovations, as they will not only enhance worker safety but also boost productivity and competitiveness. By embracing these technologies we will be better positioned to achieve Vision 2030 and establish Zimbabwe as a leader in occupational safety and health in the region,” he added.
Labour and industry representatives also underscored the need to do more to promote safety and health in the workplace.
“It is our demand as organised labour that more focus should be placed on accident prevention, OSH awareness in the workplaces and introduction of mechanical and engineering controls that will see the workplace transiting towards a safe and healthy workplace. We are aware that mechanical and engineering controls come at a cost, but human life cannot be bought and cannot be equated to any monetary value. We need to preserve life and to promote the social, mental, biological and physical well-being of workers,” said ZCTU President, Ms Florence Taruvinga.
Zimbabwe is in the process of amending labour laws through the Occupational Health and Safety Bill to align it with global trends.
